Production Manager - Music Department

Job Summary

Reporting to the Chair of the Music Department with dotted‑line reporting to the Managing Director of the Shea Center for the Performing Arts, the Production Manager leads end‑to‑end production for Music Department events presented in the Shea Center and Black Box Theatre spaces, including the Jazz Series, Summer Jazz Series, musical theatre, opera, major department concerts, smaller ensemble performances, student recitals, and midday series.

The role ensures each engagement is advanced, staffed, executed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

• Build season production calendars and staffing plans.
• Coordinate technical riders and venue needs and prepare preliminary part‑time staffing budgets for leadership review.
• Schedule rehearsals, load‑ins, performances, and load‑outs in collaboration with UPA and the Music Chair.
• Supervise student workers and overhire crews, mindful of student availability and work‑study opportunities, and support select University and Shea events as needed.
• Provide technical oversight across lighting, sound, set builds, rigging, costumes/props, and special effects—maintaining safe operations, compliance with University policies, and public‑assembly standards.
• Present clear documentation and communication among artists, faculty, designers, and vendors.
• Mentor student technicians and stage managers, reinforcing professional practices in a learning environment.
• Serve as Production Stage Manager for rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances, including curricular staged musical works; coordinate props and costumes from the University’s collection; take detailed blocking notes; conduct script analysis; develop prompt books; and maintain consistency, communication, and safety across performances.
• Perform other duties as necessary and appropriate for the position.

• Three to five or more years of substantial hands‑on experience overseeing technical teams and productions in professional theatre or live performance.
• Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre, theatre production, production management, or a closely related field.
• Master’s degree/MFA in technical theatre or production management is preferred.
• Certificates or advanced coursework in audio engineering, lighting design, rigging, stage management, or Vectorworks/AutoCAD/QLab are highly valued.
• Senior‑level experience in arts/non‑profit or university performing‑arts centers is favored.

• Strong command of venue safety and code compliance.
• Expertise in budgeting and scheduling.
• Clear communication under pressure to resolve issues and meticulous documentation.
• Proficiency with industry tools such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD, and standard productivity software.
• Ability to mentor and develop student technicians and early‑career staff.
• Reliability, punctuality, and theater experience.
• Ability to read a musical score as needed for stage manager responsibilities.

• Advanced capability in lighting and sound system design and shop workflows.
• Experience supervising mixed personnel groups, including union crews.
• Familiarity with current theatre technologies and rental‑supported programming.
• Experience with in higher‑education performing arts centers and successful collaboration across University arts units.

The position requires the ability to move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds, prolonged standing during rehearsals and performances, and a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends. Consistent on‑site presence is expected during major events, load‑ins/outs, and critical production periods.

Salary Range: $66,067.40 – $75,985.55 (AFT Range 21).

This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans.

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law.

Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.